The Ukrainian startup Buntar Aerospace has been recognized as the 2024 Startup of the Year by the Innovation Development Fund Award.
In August 2023, the company developed the "Buntar," a stealth reconnaissance drone with an advanced intelligent control system. The startup was founded by Ivan Kaunov, Kateryna Bezsudna, and Bohdan Sas, combining military and startup expertise to enhance defense products from a technical perspective.
Buntar Aerospace specializes in creating the reconnaissance UAV Buntar One and Buntar Copilot, a software solution for planning and executing reconnaissance missions. The startup focuses on addressing the challenges of drone damage and loss during missions, offering an integrated solution that includes both hardware and software.
Key products under development include:
- Buntar Copilot: A mission-planning software that generates dynamic flight plans, accounting for tactical and technical details such as situational awareness, weather forecasts, elevation maps, and signal maps. It automates 90% of UAV operator tasks and is compatible with other UAVs.
- Buntar One: A tactical-level reconnaissance UAV equipped with an additional camera and AI-based visual navigation module.
In June 2023, Uklon co-founders launched an investment fund to support Ukrainian defense-tech startups, with Buntar Aerospace as the first major beneficiary.
The company is currently conducting field tests for Buntar One and integrating Buntar Copilot with other UAVs. New investments will be directed toward R&D, purchasing components, and team expansion.
To date, Buntar Aerospace has raised $2.2 million in investments from both Ukrainian and international investors, most of whom prefer to remain anonymous.
